Alex Wright, Manheim Auction Group’s commercial vehicle director, looks at the emerging trends and high performers.

THE strongest performer in the small van sector is the new shape Vauxhall Corsavan, regularly achieving up to £800 over the suggested market price.

Looking at the car-derived market, the two models readily available in the auction halls are the Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo. With side loading doors and reasonable reserves they are being snapped up by dealers who view them as good sellers – despite not being in white. The new shape Citroen Berlingo is proving to be popular and commanding top end of guide price.

In the small panel van arena, three-year-old Citroen Dispatchs, Peugeot Experts and Fiat Scudos all continue to perform well. My prediction is that they will continue to do so until a newer model enters the market to give them a run for their money.

Old shape Volkswagen Transporters are holding strong as long as condition is reasonable and mileage is sub-70,000. The new shape Transporter is still a great seller, with the same applying to the Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic. Although prices were wavering for both of these vans at the tail end of 2005, they are now being sought after.

Large panel vans continue to be in relatively short supply. The Ford Transit still dominates this market – with one- to two-year-old vans the object of fierce attention at auction. Tidy examples of the Citroen Relay swb have been selling well, although condition is important with this model as buyers do tend to still be cherry-picking where they can.

The three-plus tonne section of the panel van market is in plentiful supply and buyers are picky. Damage and mileage on the Transit 350 lwb are both important factors so be mindful of investing in some refurbishment if a vehicle is showing signs of wear and tear when it comes to the time of sale.

Sample prices from Manheim auctions

Model Year Mileage Price £
Renault Kangoo 1.9D 0252 56,533 2,650
Citroen Berlingo 1.9D 0454 21,685 3,875
Citroen Dispatch 1.9D 0303 63,740 4,200
Peugeot Expert 2.0HDi 0454 5,578 6,700
Fiat Scudo 1.9D 0404 20,447 5,050
VW Transporter 1.9D 104ps 0404 28,473 7,850
Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9CDTi 82ps 0454 10,364 7,650
Renault Trafic 1.9DCi 100bhp 0454 12,049 9,350
Ford Transit 2.0TDi 85ps 0404 31,636 6,800
Citroen Relay 2.0HDI swb 0554 8,624 5,900